Petition Drive: "Save Fairfax County Libraries"

Fairfax County Public Library

Link to January 26 Vienna Connection post, "Petition Drive Begins at Libraries". (via Twitter)

Excerpt: In less than four hours on Jan. 23, Friends of Patrick Henry Library had obtained over 100 signatures on its "Save Fairfax County Public Libraries" petition. It was the first day that the Friends group manned a volunteer desk in the foyer. They were there to ask the public’s support in protesting proposed library budget cuts.

"Ever since I was little, the library was always a haven with good things to be had," said Jodi Condes, petition desk volunteer. "I’m a member of Friends of Patrick Henry because I believe in the value of libraries."

The proposed library budget would cut funding by 15 percent this fiscal year. Last year, the library budget was cut by 18 percent and staffing and hours were reduced at both community and regional libraries. A Fairfax County alliance of Friends groups has banded together in purpose to promote awareness of the proposed cuts and to gather grassroots backing. An online petition at http://www.thepetitionsite.com/1/save-fairfax-county-public-libraries was signed by over 1,000 Fairfax County residents within the first few weeks of its online presence.